The live-action adaptation of Disney's 1992 animated film Aladdin is just months away from hitting the big screen. As the release date drew nearer, actor Will Smith is allegedly expressing real fears over his casting backlash.
According to the latest issue of OK! Magazine, Will Smith is worried about the forthcoming live-action adaptation running his career. In particular, he is anxious about the possible negative reaction in relation to his portrayal of the iconic character, Genie.
"[Director] Guy Ritchie and Will Smith knew it was a risky move having a live-action Genie in this movie," an unnamed source told OK! Magazine, as quoted by Gossip Cop. "But they weren't expecting just how negative some of the reactions would be," it added.
The source went ahead to say that Will Smith is allegedly hoping the live-action adaptation of Aladdin does not bomb at the box office. However, as the film's release date approaches, he and director Guy Ritchie cannot help but think that it "could end in disaster for both of their careers."
However, there is no evidence that supports OK! Magazine's claims. Contrary to what the magazine is claiming, Will Smith has expressed that he cannot wait for everyone to see what the live-action adaptation of Aladdin has in store.
It is also worth noting that the backlash over his Genie portrayal has subsided following the release of the film's full-length trailer on March 12. Viewers on social media said their opinion has completely changed after watching the two-minute trailer.
I'll be honest, after the teaser with Genie, i thought this new trailer would be worse. My opinion of this movie has changed COMPLETELY. Just goes to show, you cannot judge a book by it's cover. If you watch this new trailer, you may look forward to this. I wanna watch this now. https://t.co/guAC92sZ17 — Platinum Equinox (@PlatinumEquinox) March 12, 2019
The film follows an Agrabah thief, Aladdin (Mena Massoud), who finds a magic lamp containing a genie. In an effort to hide the lamp from the Grand vizier (Marwan Kenzari), he disguises himself as a wealthy prince and tries to impress the Sultan (Navid Negahban) and his daughter, Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott).
Aladdin also stars Nasim Pedrad as Dalia, Princess Jasmine's loyal handmaiden and confidante; Numan Acar as Hakim, Jafar's right-hand man; Robby Haynes as Razoul, the royal Captain of the Guard of Agrabah and Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders, a suitor and potential husband for Princess Jasmine from the kingdom of Skånland. It will also feature the voices of Alan Tudyk as Iago, Jafar's sardonic parrot companion, Frank Welker as Abu, Aladdin's kleptomaniac pet monkey and Cave of Wonders, a sand guardian.
The live-action remake of Disney's Aladdin is set to be released in the United States on May 24, 2019.
